Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Dad,
It's unbelievable but today makes it 3 years! I was thinking about so much last night and it was crazy how sometimes it feels like just yesterday that you were still here and i could still see your smiling face. The years fly by but when i close my eyes i can remember it all...the good times and the bad. I cherish ALL the memories and unlike some can honestly say i don't regret anything and wouldn't change a thing! I love you so much and am so proud of you. My pops is a hero in every sense of the word. Thanks for still continuing to look down on me and take care of me. I know you're proud of how far we have all come along. Everytime i'm on stage or in the studio i can feel your presence there, and your love, because god knows the love we shared for music. The family is finally at peace, and i know it is because you. I could have never held this family together without watching you do it all the years you did. I hope one day to be like you, as strong as you were and the great man i saw you as! Sometimes it can feel like an eternity since you've been gone but other times it feels like just yesterday. I love you dad!! And i have come to see, YOU are the only one who needs to know that!! I hope as another year comes you will still watch over me! "It's Getting Better All The Time" *Thanks for that viejo

Xavi Rios
Son

September 4, 2008

Three years...sometimes it feels like yesterday when I met your family Ray...Your wife and kids are absolutely amazing! I have seen their heartache, tears, laughter, joy, and so much more...their strength is what touches me the most! Whatever the challenge and wherever it may lead them, they walk united and with their heads held high. Their love for you and for each other is unmatched and so powerful! I am thankful everyday that I know they each have an angel watching over them and helping guide them in the most positive direction for each and every one of them! I wish you were here to experience all of this first hand but I am grateful to be able to call your family "Some of my favorite people in the whole world". They are blessed with strength and love and determination! Thank you for sharing the most precious people in your life with the rest of the world!

C and kids! I miss you all and I wish we lived closer but there is never a day that passes that I am not thinking about all of you and drawing from your strength and love!

Take care of them Ray!

T. Wolfe

Anonymous

September 3, 2008

Labor Day weekend.....arrgghhh. Its around again. The third one without you. The pain just never seems to go away, it only dulls with time. We miss you ever so much Ray. The other day I asked the kids to think of something we could put in the newpaper for you and although Xavi makes his own lyrics to his music Lina is the one who came up with this poem, as you can tell Ray she wrote it from her heart with all the pain and anguish she feels. I think you'll love it and I know you are so proud of her as you are of all our loving children.
A POLICEMANS JOB.
a policeman's job some might say
to protect and serve in everyway.
but we know the true meaning 'cause you gave your life
stayed oh so calm through turmoil and strife.
Didn't give in, no way you'd surrender,
"THE ULTIMATE SACRFICE", now you're living in splendor
Three burdened years we miss you so much,
your presence felt here, no longer your touch.
Your voice not as clear your spirit remains
in the crowds of the heavens like you were watching a game.
So life goes on, what more can we do??????
We all can't wait to be back with you.
WE miss you Ray, and we love you always and forever.
Christy and Kids...Laura, Lina, Xavi, and Aaron.

Christy and Kids

September 1, 2008

It's almost 3 years now that we have been without your presence...we miss you dearly!!! Mom, as you know, visits you daily,,,Ham,,,,,she misses you so much!!! Thank you for watching over us...I love you big brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Malena
lil sis

August 29, 2008

Hey You. I know it's been a while since I've written anything but you know.....Well another school year has started Ray and Aaron is a Senior now. I could not be more proud of that kiddo. He looks more like you each day and acts like you and by golly even sweats like you. He asked me the other day why he had to take after you in that too. He also said the other day he was having his hair cut and he was taken back when he saw himself in the mirror how much he is looking more like you each day. Xavi will be a Second year college student with honors even oh Ray he is so smart especially in the law enforcement area,must run in the blood huh? He says he feels he has more of a grasp on things just like his daddy. Street smart huh? Lina and Xavi had a concert this past weekend and I know you were there with them on stage cuz Xavi always wears his necklace with your pic on it, he even told your mom that you were right there with him on stage. They were so happy your mom was there I bet they even showed off for her. And Laura well you know Miss Private Eye on news she does her job so well that they even tell her how great she is doing. I am so proud of all our kids they have done well....I miss you Ray and I will Always Love You.
I am so excited to start working with Jose....it's been a long time coming, but you are worth the wait.
See you tonight in my dreams viejo.

Anonymous

August 8, 2008

"What Hurts The Most"

I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house
That don’t bother me
I can take a few tears now and then and just let them out
I’m not afraid to cry every once in a while
Even though going on with you gone still upsets me
There are days every now and again I pretend I’m ok
But that’s not what gets me

What hurts the most
Was being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was tryin’ to do

It’s hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go
But I’m doin’ It
It’s hard to force that smile when I see your old friends and we're alone
Still Harder
Getting up, getting dressed, livin’ with this regret
But I know if I could do it over
I would trade give away all the words that I saved in my heart That I left unspoken

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

Not seeing that loving you
That’s what I was trying to do

Lyrics by: Rascal Flatts
Me and My Gang (2006)
What Hurts the Most

Aileen
Daughter

June 16, 2008

Hey dad.. I know it's been a while but I've finally decided to get on this and leave a reflection. Well.. Tomorrow will be another one of my birthdays that you will be missing. It's so hard not having you here and having to figure out things on my own.. But the older I'm getting the more mature I am and the more I'm becoming like you. I've grown up so much and took on a lot of resposibilities since I was 14. I know that your always looking down on me and that your very proud of everything I've done! I Love You!

Aaron Rios
Son

May 26, 2008

Hey Dude,

Just thinking about you. I've been working in D.C., and as you know I've gone by the memorial several times just to reflect on some of the fun times we had working together. I hope you enjoy the flowers and that they bring out a smile. This year I was finally able to be there at the Candlelight Vigil during Police Week, and my family and I were just amazed by the amount of people that were there sharing their pain and their love. We know that you are in a better place and you are looking over Christy and the kids.

I still remember the day we were on a surveillance by the high school and you went to give a message to one of the other officers. Unfortunately, you got into the wrong car. I'm surprised we didn't end up with every police officer in town surrounding our vehicle. :-)

Much Love from me and my family to you and yours.

Edwin Torres, SBPA
U.S. Border Patrol

May 25, 2008

Apa!! So the memorial turned out good as usual...except for the fact that you weren't there!! I know every year it should get easier but it seems it gets harder! I know you were there with us...well at least me and Aaron know ;)Haha! I miss you so much daddy! Everyone from C.O.P.S. is so great and supportive but I wish we would've met them under different circumstances!! I never thought we'd make it this far in life! In a few months it'll be 3 years since you left us and all 5 of us are standing strong! In a sense I know it's your strength that gets us through! Xavi is so excited to be pursuing his...and your dream!!! In a little over a week he'll be performing and you'll be there front and center as always...well actually you'll probably be right up there on stage with him!! Everything that is happening is such a miracle and I KNOW it starts with you dad! I love you and miss you daddy!!

Aileen Rios
Daughter

May 10, 2008

THANK YOU.......for being with Aaron this whole weekend...I know that's all I have to say to you.
We love and miss you.......sooooo....

April 28, 2008

Hi Ray, Just dropping a little note to let you know you are loved and missed so much. Not one day or minute or second goes by that we don't think of you and miss your sweet smile. The girls and I had a great visit this weekend and it was so nice hearing Laura talk about you as she did. You and her had such a great strong relationship and even though she hardly talks about you I know you are in her heart and soul.....and the pain comes out every so often but so does the pride she feels for her DADDY. Keep watching over those kiddos of ours. Its been hard raising them by myself but I am doing the best I can and I know you are as proud of them as I am. You are always going to be our Hero...We love you...We miss you....we long to be in heaven with you...But until then.....

March 16, 2008

Hey You, Just here in class waiting for the results of my test. I am nervous and of course thought of you so I came on so I could see your beautiful smile to give me the comfort and strength I needed today. I love you. GO PATRIOTS...see you Sunday for Super Bowl.

January 31, 2008

Hey dad,
As time passes its amazing how many different feelings & emotions we can all go through. Sometimes i can be so angry that you left us but the next second I can be sooo proud of you and everything you did for us. You were such a good dad but more importantly a good person. Everyday i see a lil more of you in me & i thank god cuz if i can be half the person you were i know i'm going to be alright in life. This semester in school i'm taking more criminal justice classes and i feel you here with me every step of the way. It's like i have a better grasp of the things than most but i KNOW it's because i have an angel right by my side helping me. I pray everynight that i can be just like you in my work. You were one of the best and i can only hope to be on your level one day. I am so proud of you dad and i hope your watching down on me from heaven and proud of me

Xavi Rios
Son

January 25, 2008

HAPPY 2008. MISS YOU. LOVE YOU. HOPE YOU HAD GREAT HOLIDAYS IN HEAVEN. CHRISTY AND KIDS.

wife and children

January 8, 2008

Dad, Oh Dad how this holiday season is so much harder than the others. We miss you so much and we just wanted to wish you a very,very Happy Birthday. We have been thinking of all the fun times we had together and the funny things you used to do like watch us eat and ask Have It???? Oh Dad not one second goes by that you aren't in our hearts and thoughts and minds. We love you Dad. Please Dad never leave our sides and watch over us always. We miss you.
Love, Laura, Aileen, Xavi and Aaron. Your Cuppi,Pumpkins,Buddy and Thumper:-(

Christy, Laura,Aileen,Xavi and Aaron
Your Family:-)

December 20, 2007

Hi daddy!! I was just thinking about you like I always do...especially around these holidays!! Just wanted to let you know that I miss you and love you so much!!!! Each and every day I try to recall all the memories we had...thats what keeps me going. I try so hard not to forget what you smelled like, what you sounded like, and especially what your touch felt like!! Daddy...nobody could EVER replace you!! I know mom loves you more now than ever!! She misses you so much and it kills all four of us to see her like that! I know its because of the strength you and God give us that we're still surviving! Even though it gets so hard to go on without you, we're doing it!! So apa, keep watching over us and until that "One Sweet Day" that we meet in heaven again...Your Pumpkins loves you daddy!!

Aileen Rios
Daughter

December 16, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 14, 2007

It's hard to read the loving reflections for Ofc. Rios and not have tears in my eyes. It is very plain to see that he made a huge impact on everyone who knew him. Just from his photo I can see that he would have that effect on everyone. I wish the best for his family, friends and fellow officers. I pray that you all will be reunited one day. God Bless you all.

AZ Narc

October 4, 2007

(Raysee,Paysee) It was only today that I found out I could write on this page. Ay Ray how I miss you so much. I miss us working together painting and landscaping. I miss our talks together about what you wanted for your kids and Christy. My how you loved them so much Raysee just talking about the 5 of them made your face light up. Ill never forget that Friday night at the football game the last game you saw here on earth our heartfelt talk about how we were going to start painting the house and you were thinking of things to do for Christy. Ill never forget all the good times we had together Ray, you were like a son to me not just a son in law thats why we had our nicknames for each other...something no one else knew of, but us. and now I share it here with all to see. I remember all the times you would get out of work and you were tired but still you would stop by the house to see if there was anything I needed done that day around the house. And your suegra would make you some burritos, and that would be your payment. I know even your brother in laws miss you so much esp Eddie, you and him had a great relationship like no other...el Wild Ed....te acuerdas Ray? Good times Ray...I want you to know the grass at the cemetery looks good, we are keeping it up good you would be so proud of me and Aaron pobresito he mows it all the time and no one else better touch it or else. bueno Ray...hasta pronto...con el favor de dios...(Tu sueg)....que mucho te quiere y te extrana...mi amigo fiel....

Antonio Alvarado (Sueg)
Father in Law

September 14, 2007

Gone but not forgotten. My prayers go out to you, your Mother and Father, may he rest in peace, Sisters and Brothers as well as your Department.

Agent Raul Garcia
ICE/DRO

September 14, 2007

My papi!!! Just a quick note to let you know I'm thinking about you...always and forever!! Love you!!

Aileen Rios
Daughter

September 12, 2007

Hey big brother,,,,I know that you know by looking down on us how much mom is hurting and suffering. I hope to never experience the pain she is feeling or the pain our sister is feeling still by mourning the loss of a child! Many many years will pass and you will continue to be in our hearts forever. Unfortuneately,,,the only way mom knows how to mourne your death and the death of our dad, is by visiting you daily at your graveside....she feels so many different emotions visiting you guys. She would like to express her continued love and hurt by giving you gifts to put on your graveside,,,but that has not been allowed. She has been emotionally hurt,,,we all can see it, and I know you can too...please know that she would like to do so much for you, like she did when you were here with us,,,but anything placed on your graveside, has and from what we were told, will be taken off and thrown away, without a care and with no respect whatsoever. Please know how much we all miss you and love you and will always hold you in our hearts!!!!

Malena
Lil Sis

September 11, 2007

Its been two years daddy!! I'll never forget! I love you so so so much and I miss you more than you know! Keep watching over us!

Aileen Rios
Daughter

September 4, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this 2nd anniversary of your EOW. Continue to shower them with your protection and love. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 4, 2007

Ray, Two years...it seems in our hearts that it was only yesterday. Although we always feel your presence with us and know you are with us through it all I still can't help but miss the late night talks we had as we would share our thoughts and dreams about our four wonderful children and what we wanted of them and what made us laugh that day, even at the end Ray you never let me go to sleep without our little talks. This morning Aaron literally took my breath away although I didn't know you when you were his age just the way he was sleeping reminded me so much of you. He is truly your son he looks and acts just like you. And Xavi well he's enjoying his first year of college. And the girls well Ray they are doing as well as can be, they miss their daddy and they miss talking to you and asking you for advice on any and everything. Sometimes I wish I could turn back the hands of time to when they were all small and we would all lay on the bed and talk and laugh and pray...remember when we used to pray the rosary and all the kids were sleepy until we finished then they would start fighting on the bed with the biggest baby(You) acting the worst...those were some good times Ray...some the kids will treasure for the rest of their lives...We love and miss you...Rest in Peace...Im raising your kids well and safe ok. I love you .

Christy and Kids
Wife and Kids:-)

September 3, 2007